Lamictal (Lamotrigine) - Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions - Drugs

l your doctor immediay if you develop any serious side effects of Lamictal.

Taking these two drugs together could cause the levels of Lamictal in your blood to increase and result in a life-threatening rash. This medication could have a very serious interaction with valproic acid (Depakene).

Some patients may have increased seizures if Lamictal is stopped abruptly. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, as well as the foods you eat. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat seizures in epileptic patients, and mood swings in patients with bipolar disorder. This allows your pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to advise you about drug interactions and side effects. Burton Dunaway, PharmD. Do not stop taking Lamictal without consulting your physician. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your prescription medications and over-the-counter products. Always keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your healthcare providers and your pharmacist. Periodically, your physician may need to adjust the dose of Lamictal in order to maintain effectiveness. Consult your physician if your symptoms return or are not resolved while taking Lamictal, it is possible that the dosage needs adjustment.

Glaxo Wellcome Patient Assistance Program P.O. The generic for Lamictal or lamotrigine is available in the United States. There are also patient assistance programs by some pharmaceutical companies for individuals that cannot afford their medication. Glaxo-Smith-Kline markets the drug Lamictal and information for their assistant program is: Lamictal Glaxo Wellcome Inc. A: Lamictal (generic name lamotrigine) is used to control seizures and also for a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Check with local pharmacies for prices on the generic drug. Box 52185 Phoenix, AZ 800/ 800/ A physician may also be able to recommend a cheaper alternative drug for the medical condition. Kimberly Hotz, PharmD. For more information on Lamictal visit Everyday Health at /drugs/.

This medication can make you dizzy. Drinking alcohol could increase the effect.

Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.

Contact your doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention for any of these more serious side effects. A serious skin reaction would involve a severe rash with blistering, peeling, and flu-like symptoms. Sarah Lewis, PharmD. These include liver problems, a severe skin reaction, anemia, and severe mood disorders. Severe mood disorders are more common in the first 24 months of treatment and include new or worsening mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Symptoms of liver problems can include nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Common side effects of Lamictal include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, lack of coordination, weight loss, insomnia, and unusual dreams. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant or anti-seizure medication. This is not a complete list of side effects that can occur with Lamictal. Other more serious side effects can occur, but are rare or less frequent. It is used either alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures, delay mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder, and to treat certain types of pain.

Gharbia, PharmD. This allows your pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to advise you about drug interactions and side effects. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your prescription medications and over-the-counter products. Lamictal is also used, together with other medicines, to treat certain types of seizures (partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people 2 years or older, or alone when changing from other medicines used to treat partial seizures in people = 16 years. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action., Shereen A. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals, and herbals, as well as the foods you eat. Always keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your health care providers and your pharmacist. Food consumption does not appear to affect the bioavailability and/or metabolism of Lamictal. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is used for the long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder to lengthen the time between mood episodes in people 18 years or older who have been treated for mood episodes with other medicine.

This is more likely in children and people taking very high doses from the start or increasing the dose too fast, and taking it with a medication called valproate (Depakote).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires Lamictal to carry a black-box warning because this medication can cause serious rashes requiring hospitalization.

Once you are on the medication, keep your appointments and let your doctor know if you develop any mood changes, including suicidal thoughts or a depression that is getting worse.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the poison help line at (800).

Taking too much Lamictal at the start of treatment may increase your risk of a severe life-threatening skin rash so follow your dosing instructions carefully.

Taking this medication while pregnant (especially in early pregnancy) can increase the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip or palate. l your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Lamictal is a FDA category C drug, meaning itâ€s not known if it will harm an unborn baby.

Overdose symptoms may include:

l your health care provider about any negative side effects from prescription drugs. You can also report them to the U.S. According to the package insert, the most common side effects of Lamictal are headache, rash and itching, dizziness, diarrhea, and abnormal dreams. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Lamictal. Some other possible causes of nightmares include having a late-night snack, which can increase metabolism and brain activity; withdrawal from medications and substances such as alcohol; sleep deprivation or sleep disorders; and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anti-seizure medicine that is used to treat bipolar disorder. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Do not stop any medication or change the dose without first talking to your provider. Michelle McDermott, RPh, PharmD. If you think a drug you are taking is causing bad dreams, l your health care provider. Food and Drug Administration by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Seek immediate emergency attention if you develop any of the following:

Swallow it whole. Do not crush, chew, or break a Lamictal tablet.

Matt Curley, PharmD. A: There have been several reports of Lamictal decreasing the patient's libido. In some cases, the physician has had to find the lowest possible effective dose that will work, in order to solve the problem. If this is a side effect that is significantly affecting your quality of life, you should discuss it with your doctor. Given that the point of the medication is to control seizures, this can be very difficult to do.

This medication comes in three forms: a tablet (to swallow), a chewable tablet, and an orally disintegrating tablet.

You should always l your healthcare professional about all prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter, illegal and recreational drugs, herbal remedies, nutritional and dietary supplements, and any other drugs and treatments.

Nearly all cases of life-threatening rashes have occurred during the first two to eight weeks of treatment, although itâ€s possible this complication could show up after taking the medicine for a long time.

This could decrease the amount of Lamictal in your system to levels that make the drug ineffective. Taking Lamictal and other anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone) could increase how quickly your liver processes Lamictal.

Common Conditions.

You should consult your physician about when to stop or start these medicines. Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Celexa (citalopram) should not be stopped abruptly; a taper-down schedule is recommended. A: Your question is an urgent matter. Burton Dunaway, PharmD.

The extended-release form, Lamictal XR, is only prescribed to patients 13 years old and older. Itâ€s not given as a stand-alone medication in someone who is younger than 16.

Studies concluded by the FDA in 2008 showed a small number of patients taking Lamictal developed symptoms of suicidal behavior, including suicidal thoughts or actions. The FDA requires this medication also carry a warning letting patients know those risks.

Hormonal birth control (such as the pill, patch, or ring) can also decrease the effectiveness of Lamictal.

Your doctor may change your dose occasionally until you find the right balance. A blood test may be required to make sure youâ€re taking the right amount. Always take this drug exactly as your doctor prescribes. Your dose will depend on what your doctor decides is right for you.

Very rare cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash-related death, have been reported worldwide.

Once the tablet is dissolved in liquid you cannot save it to use later. You can also put the tablet in a teaspoon of water or diluted juice and allow it to dissolve for about a minute. To take the chewable tablet, chew it or swallow it whole with water. Swirl it around gently then take it right away.

Store at room temperature away from moisture.

Taking this drug with lopinavir ritonavir (Kaletra) or rifampin (Rifadin) could decrease the amount of Lamictal in your blood and make it less effective. This could result in your symptoms coming back.

Extended-release Lamictal XR may be used to treat different conditions than immediate-release Lamictal. Always check your refills to make sure youâ€ve received the right medication.

Taking birth control pills can make this medication less effective, resulting in an increase of symptoms like seizures. l your doctor if you plan to stop or start birth control pills so he or she can adjust your dose.

Lamictal can interact with other medications. The most common side effects of Lamictal are blurred or double vision; constipation; decreased coordination; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; painful menstrual periods; runny or stuffy nose; stomach upset or pain; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; and weight loss. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, as well as the foods you eat. Burton Dunaway, PharmD. Lamictal is also approved for treating mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is in a class of medications known as anti-epileptics or anti-seizure. This allows your pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to advise you about drug interactions and side effects. Weight loss is actually more likely than weight gain in patients taking Lamictal. Although rare, Lamictal can cause serious health problems such as organ failure, life threatening skin reactions, and blood disorders. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your prescription medications and over-the-counter products. Always keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your health care providers and your pharmacist.

Do not stop taking Lamictal without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can have serious side effects including an increase in seizures.

In addition, Lamictal is commonly prescribed to adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression) to delay episodes of depression and mania. (Mania is defined as frenzied or abnormally excited moods).

Do not "double up.". Skip the missed dose if itâ€s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

The immediate-release form of Lamictal is given to children as young as age 2, but only in addition to other seizure medications. Your age impacts the type and dose of Lamictal you can take.

Do not swallow the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) whole. You can drink a little liquid to help things along. Place it on your tongue and let it dissolve.

Lori Poulin, PharmD. Some less common side effects related to stomach problems are: indigestion/heartburn, abdominal pain, and constipation. A: Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a medication that is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. The prescribing information on lamotrigine lists the following as common side effects of this medication: dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, headaches, coordination problems, nausea or vomiting. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. For more information on lamotrigine, click on this link: /drugs/lamotrigine If you are experiencing side effects from this medication that are bothersome or don't feel quite right, you should consult with your physician. It is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children and it is used to delay mood episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.

This drug can also pass into breast milk so discuss the risks before breastfeeding an infant.

Lamictal can also cause weight loss in some patients. You can learn more about Lamictal on Everyday Health's Web site by following this link: /DrugsAZ/Lamictal.aspx. A: According to the package insert for Lamictal, weight gain is listed as one of the possible side effects of the medication.

Five to 10 percent of people taking Lamictal will develop a rash, but less than 1 percent of people will develop a serious rash. This drug can also cause a rash that is not serious. Since itâ€s difficult to l the difference in early stages, itâ€s important to contact your doctor at the first sign of any rash.

Lamictal is also prescribed off-label to treat clinical depression and migraine headaches.

Itâ€s also used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, an extreme form of epilepsy that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays in children.

l your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, or if you are allergic to other seizure medications.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (the meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. In most cases, symptoms disappeared when patients stopped taking Lamictal. In 2010, the FDA issued a safety announcement letting doctors know Lamictal can cause aseptic meningitis.

To learn more about Focalin: /DrugsAZ/Focalin.aspx To learn more about Lamictal: /DrugsAZ/Lamictal.aspx Derek Dore, PharmD. Although Lamictal (lamotrigine) can interact with other medications, according to the package insert, Lamictal doesn't list any medications that should not be taken with Lamictal. It is important for patients to consult their physician or healthcare provider about any patient specific questions regarding medical conditions or medications; particularly before taking any action. A: According to the package insert for Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride), Focalin should not be taken during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (hypertensive crises may result). Other drug interactions are listed in Focalin's package insert, but no other drugs are recommended to be avoided with Focalin.

Talk to your doctor before making a decision to stop or change your medication. This drug should not be stopped suddenly. Stopping an anti-seizure medication can cause you to have an increase in seizures.

This medication may cause you to have thoughts of suicide. l your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.

The FDA first approved Lamictal in 1994 as an anti-seizure medication. Lamictal is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Approval to use the drug in the treatment of bipolar disorder was given in 2003.

Let your doctor know if any of these side effects persist or get worse.

The inactive ingredients are what may be changed. You may also find helpful information on depression and medications at /depression/understanding.aspx, /drugs. Patti. Therefore, in most cases, studies show generics will work as well as the brand. The FDA requires that a generic have the exact same active ingredient as the brand. A: The generic form of Lamictal, lamotrigine, should work just as well as the brand name. The generic must prove to the FDA is just as safe and just as effective as the brand.